Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bomber successfully fired an AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) during a live-fire sinking exercise in the Western Pacific as part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2026. This event demonstrated the B-2's enhanced anti-ship capabilities and showcased U.S. military strength to China. The exercise involved collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

China showcased a YY-20 tanker alongside a sixth generation fighter in a video, highlighting advancements in aerial refueling capabilities. This development suggests a strategic shift in the People's Liberation Army Air Force's operational reach, particularly concerning potential operations near Taiwan. The YY-20's capabilities are expected to enhance the PLA's ability to conduct extended air operations by 2026.

Marcus ChenTue Jun 30 2026Loading...

The USS Juneau was sunk by a torpedo from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force during a live-fire exercise on June 27, 2026, approximately 200 nautical miles off Guam. This event was part of the Valiant Shield exercise, which involved multiple U.S. military branches and allied forces. The exercise demonstrated the capabilities of various missile systems, including the AGM-84D Harpoon and LRASM.

China's H-20 stealth bomber program remains stalled due to significant industrial challenges, with no confirmed prototype or production line as of 2025. The Xi’an Aircraft Corporation, part of AVIC, struggles with engine development and materials science, hindering progress. The U.S. Department of Defense anticipates the H-20's operational debut in the 2030s, reflecting ongoing issues in China's military aerospace capabilities.

The 8th Theater Sustainment Command of the United States Army is currently utilizing artificial intelligence and autonomous watercraft to enhance logistics operations in the Pacific. The command is testing a new Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) and aims to deploy 30 to 100 medium-sized autonomous vessels across the region to meet logistical demands. Current maritime laws are being evaluated to facilitate the use of unmanned systems in port operations.

The Eastern Theater Command Navy conducted realistic naval training exercises in the East China Sea, involving multiple destroyers including Xi'an, Xiamen, and Changchun. The exercises tested the tactical effectiveness of weapon systems in complex environments, with main guns targeting simulated shore objectives and secondary guns intercepting incoming missiles.

The Fujian aircraft carrier conducted its first training exercises in the South China Sea after entering service in June 2026, testing the capabilities of J-35 fighter jets and KJ-600 early warning aircraft. This operation is part of the People's Liberation Army Navy's strategy to enhance its military presence in the region, particularly concerning Taiwan. The exercises indicate a shift from mere sea trials to operational readiness and political signaling.

Li MinghuiTue Jun 30 2026Loading...

China has deployed the new HQ-16F surface-to-air missile system in the Taiwan Strait, significantly enhancing its air-defense capabilities with a range of 160 km. This deployment reflects China's strategy to strengthen its layered air and missile defenses in the region, complicating potential attacks from Taiwan. The HQ-16F integrates advanced technologies for improved target tracking and engagement.

On June 28, 2023, the Chinese Air Force showcased the Y-20A, Y-20B, and Y-20A tanker aircraft in a promotional video, emphasizing their strategic transformation and enhanced capabilities. The Y-20 series has significantly expanded since its introduction, now featuring advanced refueling capabilities that support extended operational ranges. This development marks a key milestone in China's military aviation capabilities, reflecting a shift towards a more autonomous and technologically advanced air force.

China's military officially revealed its J-36 sixth-generation stealth fighter in a promotional video, marking the first public acknowledgment of the aircraft. The J-36, which first flew on December 26, 2024, features a tailless design and a three-engine layout. Analysts note that while the aircraft's development is progressing, many of its specifications and operational roles remain uncertain.

Japan's 10th Mogami-class frigate, JS Nagara, was commissioned into the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on June 29, featuring a crew of 90 and 16 vertical launch cells. This frigate is part of Japan's strategy to enhance naval capabilities while addressing personnel shortages. The ship's limited missile capacity raises concerns about its effectiveness in potential conflicts, particularly in the context of China's naval expansion.

Marcus ChenMon Jun 29 2026Loading...

The Australian Army's 3rd Brigade is undergoing a significant transformation in Townsville, increasing its personnel to around 4,000 and expanding its armored vehicle fleet by 630% over three years. This modernization requires a substantial increase in logistics support, with daily fuel needs projected to rise from 40,000 liters to over 300,000 liters. New equipment, including M1A2 Abrams tanks and Hanwha AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers, is being integrated to enhance operational capabilities.

Six U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighters flew without radar during a joint service flyover in the Philippine Sea on February 26, 2026. The aircraft, part of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, were equipped with ballast instead of radar due to delays in the new AN/APG-85 radar system. This situation highlights ongoing challenges within the F-35 program, including low readiness rates and significant modernization delays.

The U.S. Army is developing plans to test and deploy 30 to 100 autonomous drone boats to address a shortage of watercraft for troop and supply transport in the Pacific. In 2024, the Army activated a new composite watercraft company in Yokohama, Japan, and is repositioning stored vessels to enhance logistics capabilities. The Army's mission-capable rate for existing vessels has significantly declined, prompting the need for new autonomous solutions.

The U.S. Army is addressing a shortage of ships for troop and supply transport in the Pacific by planning to build a fleet of 30 to 100 autonomous watercraft. In 2024, the Army activated its first new composite watercraft company in years and is testing autonomous vessels for logistics operations. The Army's Pacific-based fleet has decreased significantly, and the mission-capable rate of remaining vessels has sharply declined, prompting these initiatives.

South Korea and Japan are actively pursuing the development of nuclear-powered submarines, influenced by the AUKUS initiative. The November 2025 summit between President Trump and President Lee Jae-myung accelerated these efforts. However, industrial limitations and historical tensions between the two nations pose challenges. A proposed ROKJUS program aims to enhance deterrence against China's naval expansion by leveraging investments and technology sharing among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.

Smart Shooter secured a $3.4 million contract from the US Marine Corps, reflecting the growing demand for troop-level counter-drone solutions across the US military. The company has also received contracts from the US Navy and Army, indicating widespread interest in its SMASH 2000LE system. This technology aims to enhance accuracy against small, fast-moving drones and has been in use by US special forces since 2020. Additionally, Smart Shooter is exploring international contracts, including agreements with Israel and Australia.

South Korea successfully tested the Cheonryong missile on June 25, 2026, confirming its ability to separate from an FA-50 aircraft and achieve a stable flight trajectory. This missile, designed to penetrate hardened underground targets, is set to complete development by 2028 and enter mass production in 2029. Its advanced features include enhanced guidance systems and compatibility with various aircraft, significantly improving South Korea's military capabilities against North Korea's fortified positions.

The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force, established on July 1, 1966, has evolved significantly, focusing on enhancing its strategic deterrence capabilities. Under Xi Jinping's leadership, the force has modernized its missile systems and conducted successful tests, showcasing its readiness and commitment to national defense. The report emphasizes the historical significance and ongoing development of China's strategic missile capabilities.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force deployed a Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile launch device and a medium reconnaissance drone to Minami-Torishima on June 28, 2023. This marks the first deployment of such military equipment to the easternmost island, aimed at preparing for a shooting range. The missile bodies were not included in this deployment, and live-fire training is scheduled to commence in 2027.